Short answer: magic mushrooms are not legal in Amsterdam. Fresh and dried psilocybin mushrooms have been banned in the whole of the Netherlands since 1 December 2008. Magic truffles are a different growth form of the fungus, fall outside that ban and are sold legally to adults in Amsterdam smartshops and online.
Below: what exactly is legal, what to expect in a smartshop, how buying online compares, and practical tips if you are visiting. Sources are listed at the bottom.
Are magic mushrooms legal in Amsterdam?
No. Until 2008, Dutch smartshops sold fresh magic mushrooms. Since 1 December 2008, psilocybin mushrooms are on the list of banned substances in the Dutch Opium Act, and that applies in Amsterdam just as in the rest of the country. Selling, buying or possessing fresh or dried magic mushrooms is not allowed. For the full legal background, see are magic truffles legal in the Netherlands.
What you do see in Amsterdam shops today are magic truffles and mushroom grow kits.
Why magic truffles are legal
Magic truffles (sclerotia) are a compact, underground growth form of certain psilocybin fungi. The 2008 ban named the mushrooms, not the sclerotia, so fresh truffles remained legal to sell to adults. They contain the same active compounds, psilocybin and psilocin.
The full background, including the biology and the legal history, is in our complete guide to magic truffles. For the difference with mushrooms, read magic mushrooms: effects, risks and how they differ from truffles.
Buying in an Amsterdam smartshop
- Age check: you must be 18 or older and may be asked for ID.
- Advice at the counter: staff can explain the differences in strength between varieties.
- Immediately available: useful if you want truffles the same day.
- Tourist prices: shops in the centre are often more expensive, and the choice can be limited to what is in stock.
Smartshop or online: a comparison
| Smartshop in Amsterdam | Online shop | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Same day | Delivered in a few days |
| Advice | In person at the counter | Product pages, guides and customer service |
| Choice | What the shop has in stock | Usually the full range |
| Privacy | You visit the shop | Discreet, unbranded packaging |
| Best for | Visitors who want truffles today | Planning ahead, comparing at home |
Mindrush ships fresh truffles from the Netherlands in discreet packaging. Browse our magic truffles.
Which truffles to choose
Truffle varieties differ in strength and character. First time? Start with a milder variety such as Atlantis or Mexicana and a low amount. Our buyer’s guide compares all varieties, and the Truffle Finder suggests one based on a few questions. Amounts per variety are in the dosage guide.
Tips for visitors
- Plan a calm setting. A busy city centre, crowds and canals are not a relaxed place for a first experience. A quiet room or a park with a sober friend works better.
- Do not mix with alcohol, cannabis or other substances.
- Start low and wait. Effects can take up to an hour to start.
- Keep your hotel or address at hand and have a sober person with you.
- Do not take truffles across borders. The rules differ per country.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists buy magic truffles in Amsterdam?
Yes. Adults (18+) can buy fresh magic truffles in Amsterdam smartshops. Bring ID, as shops can ask for it.
Are magic mushrooms illegal in Amsterdam?
Yes. Fresh and dried magic mushrooms have been banned in the whole of the Netherlands since 1 December 2008. Magic truffles are not covered by that ban.
Are truffles weaker than mushrooms?
Per gram, truffles are usually somewhat milder than dried mushrooms, but strength differs per variety. Start with a low amount.
Can I order magic truffles online in the Netherlands?
Yes. Fresh truffles can be ordered online and are delivered in discreet packaging. Mindrush ships from the Netherlands.
What is a smartshop?
A shop that sells legal natural products such as magic truffles, grow kits and herbal products. They are found in many Dutch cities, including Amsterdam.
Sources
- DutchNews (2008). Magic mushrooms banned from December. Read the article
- Pellegrini M et al. (2013). Magic truffles or Philosopher’s stones: a legal way to sell psilocybin? Drug Testing and Analysis. Read the study
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Mindrush only sells products that are legal under Dutch law and intended for adults (18+). Laws differ per country; readers are responsible for checking the laws that apply to them.
